Perspectives on Homelessness Panel
The inaugural Perspective on Homelessness Panel hosted by The Backpack Project of Athens will bring together members of the campus community to spread awareness about the challenges people experiencing homelessness face. Leaders in the community will speak from different sectors, including ministry, nonprofit, addiction, medical, personal, and governmental, to offer a broader picture of homelessness in Athens to the University of Georgia community. With the mission to ease the burden of homelessness, The Backpack Project of Athens will bring forth a multifaceted and important conversation fostered to bring about awareness, change, and anticipation for the community’s future.
Please fill out this form to RSVP for the event. Attendance is free! Light refreshments will be provided. Parking is available in UGA's Tate Deck, located on South Lumpkin Street. More information with be shared closer to the date. Please direct any questions or concerns to athens@thebackpackproject.ngo.
Does your organization work with the homeless community in Athens? If so and you would like to have a brochure or flyer shared to students and community memebrs during the panel, please complete the form below.
WHEN: Thursday, October 13th from 6:30P to 8P
WHERE: Miller Learning Center Room 150
RSVP Here
Panelists
Jamie Scott
Director of The Sparrow's NestCo-Founder of People Living in Recovery
Jamie Scott is the Director of The Sparrow’s Nest and the co-founder of People Living in Recovery. He has done work with the State Department of Behavioral Health Developmental Disabilities, was recognized by the United State Congress for Special Congressional Recognition, and spoke at the State Capital to the House of Representatives. Rev. Jamie Scott faced difficult circumstances growing up in Athens and faced darkness for many years due to homelessness and an ongoing battle with addiction. Scott has now been in long-term recovery for 17 years, married for 14 years, and now a minister. He is a co-author of the book “Black and White: Two Different Perspectives: an Honest Conversation About Race in America Today.” He facilitates a curriculum called “Self-Control” at the Clarke Co. Jail and “Breaking the Cycle & Getting it Right” at Sparrow’s Nest around criminal behavior, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges. He shares his testimony with people to give them hope that there is a better life than what they are living.
John Morris
Vice Chair of the Athens Homeless CoalitionTHRIVE Community Programs Team Lead at Advantage Behavioral Health Systems
John Morris is the Vice-Chair of the Athens Homeless Coalition and works as the THRIVE Community Programs Team Lead at Advantage Behavioral Health Systems overseeing the Street Outreach program and Stay Home motel voucher program. He previously served as the Project Coordinator at Envision Athens, the 20-year economic and community development plan for Athens-Clarke County, as well as one of three local directors of Athens PBJs, a nonprofit that bridges friendships and builds community between people experiencing homelessness and not. John graduated from the University of Georgia with a BBA in Economics in 2020 and has been working with people experiencing homelessness since moving to Athens in 2017. He also is a longtime volunteer and supporter of Access Point, a nonprofit providing harm reduction and recovery resources to people with substance use disorders.
Laura McCoy
Case Management Specialist with ACC Government and former Street Outreach Manager at AdvantageLaura McCoy is a Case Management Specialist with the DUI Treatment Court of Athens-Clarke County. After she graduated from the drug court program herself, she pursued a certification as an Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist through the Georgia Council of Substance Abuse. Laura became an Outreach Coordinator with People Living in Recovery. In her spare time, she volunteered for Georgia Overdose Prevention by distributing Narcan. After her time at People Living in Recovery, she took the position of Street Outreach Manager with Advantage Behavioral Health Systems. She worked in the Homeless Day Service Center with people experiencing homelessness. Laura has also served as a Forensic Peer Mentor in the Western Judicial Circuit Felony Drug Court and as a peer advisor with DIVAS Who Win, an organization to help women overcome sex trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.
Patrick Howard
Director of Our Daily Bread Community Kitchen overseen by Downtown Ministries and Neighborhood Leader at Family Connection-Communities in Schools AthensPatrick Howard is a Neighborhood Leader with Family Connections-Communities of Athens and partner with Our Daily Bread Community Kitchen overseen by Downtown Ministries. He has had the pleasure of working in different leadership capacities over the years including customer service, hospitality, retail, property management, and now serving our community in the non-profit sector. He may have served in different capacities, but one thing remains the same: everyone has a story. And learning that story allows us to accomplish more, when we care about other people's stories.
Paige Cummings
Executive Director of Athens Nurses ClinicPaige Mercer Cummings started volunteering at the Athens Nurses Clinic in 2004 following her retirement from the United States Navy. She became the Executive Director in 2010. The Athens Nurses Clinic has been in place for over 30 years and provides primary health and dental care, including medications at no cost to the patient. Paige oversee the staff, writes, coordinates and manages the grants, schedules and helps provide civic and patient outreach for the community, and yes, they are looking to be hiring an Outreach Coordinator and a Development Coordinator. In addition to her work at the Clinic, Paige serves on the Northeast Georgia Coalition on Homelessness, the Advisory Committee for the Georgia Charitable Care Network and the Missions Ministry for her church.
John Burch
THRIVE Program Manager – HUD Homeless Support ProgramAdvantage Behavioral Health Systems
John Burch is the Program Manager of HUD Homeless Support Programs at Advantage BHS. Currently, John oversees multiple programs that include the Homeless Day Service Center, Rapid Rehousing (temporary supportive housing), Shelter Plus Care (permanent supportive housing), Stay Home Hotel program (transitional housing), and Street Outreach. During his five years at Advantage BHS, he has served as a counselor, Team Leader, and Program Manager. John earned a BA in English from UGA in 2013, graduated from UGA with a Master of Social Work degree in 2017, and is currently a Licensed Master Social Worker in Georgia pursing full clinical licensure. John is dedicated to work towards the goal of helping folks experiencing homelessness meet their basic needs, obtain safe and stable housing, and live a fulfilling life according to their own needs and desires.